Gizmos for Virginia - Science: Grade 6 (Standards of Learning adopted 2018)

This correlation lists the recommended Gizmos for this state's curriculum standards. Click any Gizmo title below for more information.

6.1: The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

6.1.a: asking questions and defining problems

6.1.a.2: develop hypotheses and identify independent and dependent variables

6.1.a.3: offer simple solutions to design problems

6.1.b: planning and carrying out investigations

6.1.b.1: independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate, and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

6.1.b.3: take metric measurements using appropriate tools

6.1.c: interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

6.1.c.1: organize data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships

6.1.c.2: construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data

6.1.c.4: use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

6.1.d: constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

6.1.d.1: construct explanations that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables

6.1.d.2: construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students’ own investigations)

6.1.d.3: generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

6.1.e: developing and using models

6.1.e.2: use, develop, and revise models to predict and explain phenomena

6.1.f: obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

6.1.f.3: construct, use, and/or present an argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

6.2: The student will investigate and understand that the solar system is organized and the various bodies in the solar system interact. Key ideas include

6.2.b: planets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun;

6.2.c: gravity contributes to orbital motion; and

6.3: The student will investigate and understand that there is a relationship between the sun, Earth, and the moon. Key ideas include

6.3.a: Earth has unique properties;

6.3.b: the rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night;

6.3.c: the movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon;

6.3.d: Earth’s tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons; and

6.3.e: the relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides.

6.4: The student will investigate and understand that there are basic sources of energy and that energy can be transformed. Key ideas include

6.4.a: the sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth;

6.4.b: Earth’s energy budget relates to living systems and Earth’s processes;

6.4.c: radiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy; and

6.4.d: energy transformations are important in energy usage.

6.5: The student will investigate and understand that all matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include

6.5.a: atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons;

6.5.b: atoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements;

6.5.c: elements may be represented by chemical symbols;

6.5.d: two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds);

6.5.e: compounds may be represented by chemical formulas;

6.5.f: chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes; and

6.6: The student will investigate and understand that water has unique physical properties and has a role in the natural and human-made environment. Key ideas include

6.6.b: water has specific properties;

6.6.c: thermal energy has a role in phase changes;

6.6.d: water has a role in weathering;

6.6.f: water is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health.

6.7: The student will investigate and understand that air has properties and that Earth’s atmosphere has structure and is dynamic. Key ideas include

6.7.d: there is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions;

6.7.e: atmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions; and

6.7.f: weather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements.

6.8: The student will investigate and understand that land and water have roles in watershed systems. Key ideas include

6.8.a: a watershed is composed of the land that drains into a body of water;

6.8.b: Virginia is composed of multiple watershed systems which have specific features;

6.8.d: natural processes, human activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence the health of a watershed system.

6.9: The student will investigate and understand that humans impact the environment and individuals can influence public policy decisions related to energy and the environment. Key ideas include

6.9.a: natural resources are important to protect and maintain;

6.9.c: major health and safety issues are associated with air and water quality;

6.9.d: major health and safety issues are related to different forms of energy;

Correlation last revised: 4/13/2026

Virginia - Science: Grade 6

Standards of Learning | Adopted: 2018